Pa. Lottery talks said to be slowed by challenges

By The Associated Press

January 11, 2013News Extra

HARRISBURG — Concerns about legal and other challenges have complicated the British national lottery operator’s efforts to take over the management of the Pennsylvania Lottery, according to a top adviser to Gov. Tom Corbett.

Negotiations were to continue today. State Revenue Secretary Daniel Meuser told The Associated Press on Thursday night that Camelot Global Services wants assurances that it will not be penalized if state employees’ opposition prevents it from achieving its profit projections.

“Profit and loss is a serious concern,” Meuser said. “They need a reasonable level of confidence that their proposal will be abided by. ... When they’re facing a lot of unjustified flak, I’m sure it gives them pause.”

On Monday, Meuser, Camelot executives and representatives of AFSCME and the AARP are expected to testify before the Senate Finance Committee.

Without an agreement before Monday, Camelot and Corbett administration officials may be unwilling to answer certain questions from senators.

For instance, the business plan Camelot submitted to the Corbett administration remains confidential. McCord and AFSCME contends that Camelot would increase lottery profits largely by an expansion of lottery gambling that they contend is not currently allowed by state law.